WEB DESK ;The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched SMEConnect, a centralized digital platform designed to simplify access to financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.
The initiative is intended to improve access to credit and make the lending process more transparent and efficient for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
From 1 November 2026, all SME financing applications will be submitted exclusively through SMEConnect, according to the SBP.
Businesses approaching bank or DFI branches, or visiting their websites to seek financing, will be directed to the portal.
The SBP has instructed financial institutions to display links to SMEConnect prominently on their websites and ensure that their SME teams and field staff are familiar with the system.
Bank staff will also be required to guide applicants through the process and help them submit their requests. A tutorial video is available on the portal to help users navigate the application process.
The platform will allow applicants to monitor their applications in real time and view the reasons for rejection, where applicable.
A live dashboard will enable the SBP to monitor applications received, processed, approved, disbursed and rejected, both at individual bank level and across the wider industry.
The SBP says the initiative forms part of its efforts to promote financial inclusion, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the country’s SME financing system.
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